While smartphone data caps can seem like a greedy attempt to keep customers in line, tiered data plans bring some benefits to the consumer as well. I took the plunge on AT&T’s tiered data plans a month ago, finally surrendering my rights to unlimited data for life. Here’s what to like and dislike about the whole idea of data caps:
Pro: Cheaper, probably
AT&T charges $25 per month for 2 GB, which is $5 cheaper than the unlimited plan AT&T used to offer. That may not seem like a lot, but it adds up to $120 over a two-year contract. I assume Verizon will offer similar pricing, but either way, the carrier will let families buy a big bucket of data. If it works out the same way as family voice plans, it could translate to big savings.
Con: Self-regulation isn’t easy
If you’ve got a limited voice plan, minimizing usage is pretty simple. Just keep conversations short or try to catch up with loved ones on nights and weekends. Regulating data use is a lot more complicated, because most users have no idea how much data they’re using by streaming a video or getting turn-by-turn directions. Some applications may even consume data in the background, slowly eating away at your monthly allotment. With high overage fees — AT&T charges $10 per gigabyte — power users could be in for big headaches.
Pro: You probably won’t notice …
When AT&T pulled the plug on unlimited data, it pointed out that only 2 percent of customers exceed 2 GB per month. I use my smartphone a lot for streaming music and tethering to a laptop, and I’m still nowhere near my monthly allotment. Wireless carriers claim that they need to cut off data hogs, but even as a power user, I’m not one of them.
Con: … but some day, you might
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